Sen. Joe Manchin (D-Virginia) announced Friday that he will not run for president, ending years of speculation that he would field a third-party bid.
“I’m not seeking third-party candidacy. I’m not involved in presidential elections,” Manchin said in a speech at West Virginia University.
“I will be involved in ensuring we have a president who has the knowledge, passion, and ability to bring this country together.”
The West Virginia senator, one of the most moderate Democrats in the Senate, has already announced that he will not seek re-election to his Senate seat, but he has not previously ruled out a presidential run.
The potential bid had raised concerns among Democrats that Manchin could act as a spoiler, stealing votes from President Biden.
Manchin was appearing at an event for No Labels, a group overseeing ballot access efforts for a potential independent bid in November.
Press Secretary John Cot confirmed Manchin’s plan ahead of Friday’s remarks.
Contributed by Julia Muller.
Updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.
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